Guidebook for Shibuya-ku
Drinks & Nightlife
It's literally alley with small bars, restaurants where you can eat and drink at a relatively cheap price. The ambiance as you enter the alley definitely says adventure. If you like to eat and drink, you'll enjoy your experience. I found the staff of numerous restaurant to be warm and entertaining. I only discovered there was an English menu available after I ordered my meal. Ask for an English menu at the restaurant you choose as they may have one. If they don't, live a little and be adventurous. Pick a restaurant, have a beer or three and order some finger food. If you're in Tokyo, you must go!
450 locals recommend
Omoide Yokocho
1 Chome-2 Nishishinjuku It's literally alley with small bars, restaurants where you can eat and drink at a relatively cheap price. The ambiance as you enter the alley definitely says adventure. If you like to eat and drink, you'll enjoy your experience. I found the staff of numerous restaurant to be warm and entertaining. I only discovered there was an English menu available after I ordered my meal. Ask for an English menu at the restaurant you choose as they may have one. If they don't, live a little and be adventurous. Pick a restaurant, have a beer or three and order some finger food. If you're in Tokyo, you must go!
Great little bar with a great selection of music on vinyl. Good vibe and crowd. Great and unique place to grab a drink and chill with friends. Friendly staff who know how to make drinks!
79 locals recommend
Spincoaster Music Bar
2-chōme-26-2 YoyogiGreat little bar with a great selection of music on vinyl. Good vibe and crowd. Great and unique place to grab a drink and chill with friends. Friendly staff who know how to make drinks!
The best time to go to Kabukicho would be at night, the nightlife had some crazy vibes as all the lights lit up and convenient areas to drink at bars. There's so much action all the time! They say New York's the city that never sleeps, but this place sleeps way less than the big apple!
914 locals recommend
Kabukicho
The best time to go to Kabukicho would be at night, the nightlife had some crazy vibes as all the lights lit up and convenient areas to drink at bars. There's so much action all the time! They say New York's the city that never sleeps, but this place sleeps way less than the big apple!
Golden Gai has narrow alleyways full of small bars seating 7 or 8 people. About 5 minutes walk from the heart of Shinjuku. Some have cover charges others do not and most are welcoming to foreign tourists. Try visiting this area in Shinjuku.
823 locals recommend
Shinjuku Golden Gai
1-chōme-1-6 KabukichōGolden Gai has narrow alleyways full of small bars seating 7 or 8 people. About 5 minutes walk from the heart of Shinjuku. Some have cover charges others do not and most are welcoming to foreign tourists. Try visiting this area in Shinjuku.
Sightseeing
Built for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics by renowned architect Tange Kenzo, the stadium hosted the olympic swimming competitions. It is now also being used for ice skating and volleyball competitions, concerts and various other events.
38 locals recommend
National Yoyogi Stadium
2-chōme-1-1 JinnanBuilt for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics by renowned architect Tange Kenzo, the stadium hosted the olympic swimming competitions. It is now also being used for ice skating and volleyball competitions, concerts and various other events.
The Yamanote line takes you to Harajuku station from Shinjuku and the entrance to the shrine is just behind the station. The loveliest part is the long stroll through beautifully kept grounds, as the tall trees have formed green arches over the paths. The Japanese cicadas are deafening and make a fascinating sound! The shrine itself cannot be entered, but the stroll around pristine gardens is the true highlight. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066456-d1373780-Reviews-Meiji_Jingu_Shrine-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
1219 locals recommend
Meiji Jingu Treasure House
1-1 YoyogikamizonochōThe Yamanote line takes you to Harajuku station from Shinjuku and the entrance to the shrine is just behind the station. The loveliest part is the long stroll through beautifully kept grounds, as the tall trees have formed green arches over the paths. The Japanese cicadas are deafening and make a fascinating sound! The shrine itself cannot be entered, but the stroll around pristine gardens is the true highlight. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066456-d1373780-Reviews-Meiji_Jingu_Shrine-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
Togo Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Admiral Togo, who defeated the Russian fleet in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. The Togo Antique Market was held around the shrine on the first Sunday of each month, but it was discontinued in December of 2009.
30 locals recommend
Tōgō Shrine
1-chōme-5-3 JingūmaeTogo Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Admiral Togo, who defeated the Russian fleet in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. The Togo Antique Market was held around the shrine on the first Sunday of each month, but it was discontinued in December of 2009.
It is a temple located between Nishi Shinjuku 5-chome subway station and Hatsudai station on the Keio Line. It is surrounded by buildings, but surrounding area is quite spacious, very quiet space, we were able to visit in a relaxed manner.
14 locals recommend
幡ヶ谷不動尊厄除不動明王
2-chōme-44-3 HonmachiIt is a temple located between Nishi Shinjuku 5-chome subway station and Hatsudai station on the Keio Line. It is surrounded by buildings, but surrounding area is quite spacious, very quiet space, we were able to visit in a relaxed manner.
If you leave the park through the Shinjuku gate and follow the curving road for one block, you will see a Doutor coffee shop and Starbucks on your left. Turn left and you will be on Yasukuni Street. Cross it, and pretty soon you will see the gates leading to Hanazono Shrine on the right.
400 locals recommend
Hanazono Shrine
5-chōme-17-3 ShinjukuIf you leave the park through the Shinjuku gate and follow the curving road for one block, you will see a Doutor coffee shop and Starbucks on your left. Turn left and you will be on Yasukuni Street. Cross it, and pretty soon you will see the gates leading to Hanazono Shrine on the right.
Parks & Nature
To enjoy nature, peaceful time and walks - highly recommend. Just walk from Shibuya to Harajuku (Omotesando) areas and find this big great park! Specially beautiful in spring and autumn! Highly recommend. Visit also famous shrine nearby. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066456-d561514-Reviews-Yoyogi_Park-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
1380 locals recommend
Yoyogi Park
2-1 YoyogikamizonochōTo enjoy nature, peaceful time and walks - highly recommend. Just walk from Shibuya to Harajuku (Omotesando) areas and find this big great park! Specially beautiful in spring and autumn! Highly recommend. Visit also famous shrine nearby. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066456-d561514-Reviews-Yoyogi_Park-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
If you are nature lover, visit this place. The place is full of more than hundred year old trees, flowers and other plants. This is a garden surrounded by skycrapers around. Nice place to take photos.
2181 locals recommend
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
11 NaitōmachiShinjuku Gyoen Garden
If you are nature lover, visit this place. The place is full of more than hundred year old trees, flowers and other plants. This is a garden surrounded by skycrapers around. Nice place to take photos.
This public park directly behind the Tokyo Metropolitan Government twin towers houses Kumano Shrine (Kumano Jinja) as well as a sizable homeless population living in blue tarp shanties and cardboard box homes.
457 locals recommend
Shinjuku Chuo Park
2-chōme-11 NishishinjukuThis public park directly behind the Tokyo Metropolitan Government twin towers houses Kumano Shrine (Kumano Jinja) as well as a sizable homeless population living in blue tarp shanties and cardboard box homes.
Arts & Culture
Stopped in after Meiji Shrine visit, not a large museum but definitely cool. Make sure to pickup the English version of the "Manual for Appreciating the Japanese Sword" when you enter the exhibit. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066456-d2419643-Reviews-The_Japanese_Sword_Museum-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
7 locals recommend
AoiJapan SWORD
Stopped in after Meiji Shrine visit, not a large museum but definitely cool. Make sure to pickup the English version of the "Manual for Appreciating the Japanese Sword" when you enter the exhibit. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066456-d2419643-Reviews-The_Japanese_Sword_Museum-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
This is a little gem that is not as easy to find as some other places, but worth a visit if you are in Shinjuku. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066457-d1879885-Reviews-Tokyo_Opera_City_Art_Gallery-Shinjuku_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
24 locals recommend
Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery
3-chōme-20-2 NishishinjukuThis is a little gem that is not as easy to find as some other places, but worth a visit if you are in Shinjuku. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066457-d1879885-Reviews-Tokyo_Opera_City_Art_Gallery-Shinjuku_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
Great thing to do in Tokyo, the museum has lots of examples of Japanese armour, weapons and other things. You can try going for a tour of the museum, and the staff seemed interested in their subject and very positive and enthusiastic to talk about it to visitors. They let you try on a helmet and wield a katana Worth the ticket price!
312 locals recommend
Samurai Museum
2-chōme-25-6 KabukichōGreat thing to do in Tokyo, the museum has lots of examples of Japanese armour, weapons and other things. You can try going for a tour of the museum, and the staff seemed interested in their subject and very positive and enthusiastic to talk about it to visitors. They let you try on a helmet and wield a katana Worth the ticket price!
The small and elegant Ota Memorial Museum of Art exhibits selected ukiyo-e paintings and prints from the vast collection of the late Mr. Ota Seizo, which comprises of more than 10,000 pieces of art. Exhibits are changed every month.
80 locals recommend
Ota Memorial Museum of Art
1-chōme-10-10 JingūmaeThe small and elegant Ota Memorial Museum of Art exhibits selected ukiyo-e paintings and prints from the vast collection of the late Mr. Ota Seizo, which comprises of more than 10,000 pieces of art. Exhibits are changed every month.
Shopping
If this is your thing then it is obviously worth a visit.There are so many electronic & camera shops & watches also.We were just passing through on way to the Tokyo metropolitan government buildings.As it was lunctime there were many office staff on there lunch break so it might be a good idea to avoid this time. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066457-d1373766-Reviews-Shinjuku_West_Exit_Camera_Town-Shinjuku_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
311 locals recommend
Yodobashi Camera Shinjuku West Main Store
1-chōme-11-1 NishishinjukuIf this is your thing then it is obviously worth a visit.There are so many electronic & camera shops & watches also.We were just passing through on way to the Tokyo metropolitan government buildings.As it was lunctime there were many office staff on there lunch break so it might be a good idea to avoid this time. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066457-d1373766-Reviews-Shinjuku_West_Exit_Camera_Town-Shinjuku_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
My favorite shopping destination As a beauty brand marketer, this has been my favorite place for market research. The cosmetic sections are amazing including the organic cosmetic floor on the bottom. Also, the accessories are great too. For me, this is a great place even just for eye shopping. The food court is must to visit. If you need a table, go upstairs. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066457-d480640-Reviews-Isetan_Department_Store_Shinjuku-Shinjuku_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
810 locals recommend
Isetan Shinjuku Store
3-chōme-14-1 ShinjukuMy favorite shopping destination As a beauty brand marketer, this has been my favorite place for market research. The cosmetic sections are amazing including the organic cosmetic floor on the bottom. Also, the accessories are great too. For me, this is a great place even just for eye shopping. The food court is must to visit. If you need a table, go upstairs. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066457-d480640-Reviews-Isetan_Department_Store_Shinjuku-Shinjuku_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
Harajuku Takeshita-dori is one of the main reasons that make Shibuya such a exciting and hip place. It's lined with cute, colorful and interesting shops and also home to some of the best Japanese crepes. A really fun place to take your time, shop, people watch and enjoy the delicious desserts, in particular the crepes. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066456-d1373790-Reviews-Harajuku_Takeshita_dori-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
66 locals recommend
Harajuku Takeshita Street Shop Association
1-chōme-9-3 JingūmaeHarajuku Takeshita-dori is one of the main reasons that make Shibuya such a exciting and hip place. It's lined with cute, colorful and interesting shops and also home to some of the best Japanese crepes. A really fun place to take your time, shop, people watch and enjoy the delicious desserts, in particular the crepes. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066456-d1373790-Reviews-Harajuku_Takeshita_dori-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
BICQLO is immediate on foot from the Tokyo "Shinjuku Station" east exit! Aggregate of specialty store where both household appliances and clothes are even on in anything in BicCamera and Uniqlo!
167 locals recommend
BICQLO UNIQLO Shinjuku east exit store
3-chōme-29-1 ShinjukuBICQLO is immediate on foot from the Tokyo "Shinjuku Station" east exit! Aggregate of specialty store where both household appliances and clothes are even on in anything in BicCamera and Uniqlo!
The Odakyu Department Store dominates the west side of Shinjuku Station. It is owned by the Odakyu Railway Company, and built in 1962 next to and over the Odakyu Shinjuku railway station (Shinjuku to Odawara).
It is 14 stories high (two floors below ground), and caters mainly for women's needs, with only the 7F for men. The food floor is B2.
175 locals recommend
Odakyu Department Store, Shinjuku
1-chōme-1-3 NishishinjukuThe Odakyu Department Store dominates the west side of Shinjuku Station. It is owned by the Odakyu Railway Company, and built in 1962 next to and over the Odakyu Shinjuku railway station (Shinjuku to Odawara).
It is 14 stories high (two floors below ground), and caters mainly for women's needs, with only the 7F for men. The food floor is B2.
Entertainment & Activities
NHK Studio Park is a part of the NHK Broadcasting Center, which is open to the public. It gives visitors a chance to look behind the scenes of television broadcasting, including the production of a live program on most days.
33 locals recommend
NHK Studio Park
2-chōme-2-1 JinnanNHK Studio Park is a part of the NHK Broadcasting Center, which is open to the public. It gives visitors a chance to look behind the scenes of television broadcasting, including the production of a live program on most days.
Here are held various activities such as world-class ballet performances, concerts, drama, dance, and opera. For those of you who are interested in their activities, can be viewed online show schedule as well as the purchase of tickets can be made online. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066456-d3837381-Reviews-New_National_Theatre-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
38 locals recommend
New National Theatre Tokyo
1-chōme-1-1 HonmachiHere are held various activities such as world-class ballet performances, concerts, drama, dance, and opera. For those of you who are interested in their activities, can be viewed online show schedule as well as the purchase of tickets can be made online. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066456-d3837381-Reviews-New_National_Theatre-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
The staff members here is lovely. They were very professional and polite. They taught EVERYTHING from what armors they have to different style of sword movements. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066456-d10666895-Reviews-SAMURAI_Sengoku_Photo_Studio_Samurai-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
7 locals recommend
戦国フォトスタジオSAMURAI ～SENGOKU PHOTO STUDIO SAMURAI～
The staff members here is lovely. They were very professional and polite. They taught EVERYTHING from what armors they have to different style of sword movements. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066456-d10666895-Reviews-SAMURAI_Sengoku_Photo_Studio_Samurai-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html